Still Dying on the Inside: Examining deaths in women’s prisons

Ninety-four women have died in prison since the 2007 publication of Baroness Corston’s ground-breaking review of women in the criminal justice system. 2016 was the worst year on record with 22 deaths in women’s prisons.

The report identifies serious safety failures inside prisons around self-harm and suicide management and inadequate healthcare provision. It also highlights the lack of action on recommendations arising from post-death investigations and inquests.

Lynne Roscoe, grandmother of Emily Hartley who died in HMP New Hall in 2016 said: “Emily was struggling with her mental health from her early teens. She was sent to prison after she had a psychotic episode and set fire to herself, her mattress and curtains. There are many others like Emily who find it hard to cope with an illness. They need care and support, not a prison sentence.”

Marilyn Reed, mother of Sarah Reed who died in HMP Holloway in 2016 said:“If Sarah had received the right care and support, rather than punishment, then she would still be alive. The whole system has to change so that other women don’t die.”

Key recommendations in the report:

Redirect resources from criminal justice to welfare, health, housing and social care.

Divert women away from the criminal justice system.

Halt prison building and commit to an immediate reduction in the prison population.

Review sentencing decisions and policy.

An urgent review of the deaths of women following release from prison.

Ensure access to justice and learning for bereaved families.

Build a national oversight mechanism for implementing official recommendations.